Fake ID Penalties in Florida

Fake ID Penalties in Florida

Posted By
The Law Office of David A. Webster, P.A.

College students may believe that being under 21 years of age and having a fake ID is considered
a rite of passage. They will often use a fake, false, or altered driver’s
license or identification card to purchase alcohol or gain entry into
a bar, club, or another establishment where you are required to be 21
to enter the premises.

However, according to Florida law, unauthorized possession of any other
unlawful acts related to driver license or identification cards are punishable
by severe penalties.

Fake IDs include any identification that has been altered in any way, forged,
or illegally manufactured. It is against the law to display, or have in
your possession any canceled, suspended, fictitious, or fraudulently altered
driver’s license.

The following are the penalties associated with fake ID crimes in Florida:

Possession of any driver’s license or state ID card not produced
lawfully by the appropriate government agency is a felony of the third
degree, and carries with it maximum penalties of up to five years in prison
and a $5,000 fine.

Selling, issuing, or offering any ID card or other document giving the
age of someone without requiring proof of age is a felony.

Giving a police officer a false name or use fake identification upon being
arrested or legally detained is a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable
by a maximum jail sentence of one year and a fine of up to $1,000. However,
if your unlawful use of another person’s name or identification
results in that person being adversely affected, you are guilty of a felony.

Using someone else’s driver’s license or state-issued ID card
is considered a second-degree misdemeanor, punishable by a maximum jail
sentence of 60 days, a $500 fine, and possibly driver’s license
suspension for one year.

Letting another person borrow your driver’s license or state-issued
ID card is also a second-degree misdemeanor.

If you are facing criminal charges for any alleged offense involving a
fake ID as a college student in Florida, your education and future are
at stake. Not only do you face extensive jail or prison sentences and
costly fines, but having a criminal record can make it difficult to obtain
employment, find a place to live, apply for a loan, and even register
for college classes.